Morristown & Erie Railway Unveils “America250” Tribute Locomotive, MP15DC #26
Published: June 25, 2026
By: Adam Burns
A Patriotic Switcher Celebrates America’s Semiquincentennial and Local Revolutionary History
On the evening of June 20, 2026, the Morristown & Erie Railway (M&E) unveiled its striking new “America250” locomotive at a special ceremony held at the railroad’s headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. The event drew approximately 100 railfans, employees, local officials, historians, and community members who gathered despite competing rail events elsewhere in the Northeast.
As dramatic lighting, patriotic music, and pyrotechnics set the scene, the red, white, and blue EMD MP15DC #26 rolled out of the Morristown Engine House through a shower of sparks and a thick shroud of smoke and fog, greeted by cheers and applause. A film presentation beforehand highlighted Morristown’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.
A Morristown & Erie photo featuring MP15DC #26 wearing its patriotic "America250" livery.The Locomotive and Its New Look
The 1,500-horsepower MP15DC yard switcher (EMD serial #767051-7) was built in June 1977. Its fresh patriotic paint scheme pays homage to its Southern Railway heritage while incorporating the M&E’s signature red colors. Railroad crews completed the in-house transformation over about three weeks. Because the locomotive retained its original Southern paint underneath, no measurements were needed for the new scheme.
Special lettering further ties the unit to local history: “Washington Headquarters” appears under the cab, and “Crossroads of the Revolution” is displayed on the hood. These honor Morristown’s role during the harsh winter of 1779–1780, when General George Washington established his headquarters at the Ford Mansion (now part of Morristown National Historical Park), less than half a mile from the M&E’s current headquarters.
The locomotive has been renumbered M&E 26 specifically to mark the 2026 semiquincentennial (America’s 250th anniversary).
Operational History of MP15DC #26
This switcher has a rich and varied career spanning nearly five decades:
- 1977–1982: Built new for the Southern Railway as No. 2354 and placed into yard switching service.
- 1982–2016: Continued in service under Norfolk Southern following the Southern–Norfolk & Western merger. It performed typical switcher duties across the NS system.
- 2016: Retired by NS and sold at auction. The Morristown & Erie Railway acquired it (along with other ex-NS MP15DCs) in August 2016.
- Post-acquisition: Briefly leased to a container operation on Staten Island, New York. It later returned to Morristown in fall 2024, where it received a new main generator and was initially repainted in a black Erie Railroad-style scheme.
During its time on the M&E, the locomotive (then still numbered 2354) saw regular freight service and even handled passenger excursions, including Whippany Polar Express trains. It entered a period of downtime due to a main generator issue but was fully restored and prepared for its new patriotic role.
Today, as M&E #26, the unit is in active service and expected to handle regular freight duties across the railroad’s system while also appearing at America250 events throughout the year.
About the Morristown & Erie Railway
The M&E traces its roots to 1895, when it was chartered as the Whippany River Railroad. It merged in 1903 to form the Morristown & Erie Railroad. Passenger service ended in 1928 due to automobile competition, but freight traffic—particularly serving mills and industries along the line—remained vital.
After Benjamin J. Friedland purchased the railroad in 1982, he revitalized operations through track improvements, locomotive repairs, and aggressive marketing. The railroad also supported the opening of the Whippany Railway Museum in 1985. Today, the M&E operates freight service on its Whippany Lines and via trackage rights over New Jersey Transit lines, creating a combined network of more than 100 miles. It interchanges with Norfolk Southern at Lake Junction in Wharton and with CSX in Kearny.
Its current motive power fleet consists primarily of four-axle EMD locomotives, continuing a shift away from its earlier Alco-heavy roster.
A Rolling Tribute
M&E Superintendent Matt Phalon captured the spirit of the project:
“Morristown helped shape the course of American history. This locomotive honors the legacy of those who secured our independence and celebrates the community that helped sustain the Continental Army during one of its darkest hours.”
railwayage.com
Following its public debut, #26 will serve as both a working yard switcher supporting commerce in northern New Jersey and a highly visible ambassador for the America250 celebrations. Its presence on the rails will remind riders, shippers, and railfans alike of the deep connections between American railroading, local history, and national heritage.The Morristown & Erie Railway continues its long tradition of blending operational excellence with historical preservation—now with a striking new star in its fleet.
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